Confidence vs. Arrogance

When you think of a true leader do you envisionsomeone else's expense. More importantly, I would
someone with the quiet confidence of Michael Dell ormuch rather work for, or along side of, the understated
the blatant arrogance of Donald Trump? In thethan the overstated.
competitive world of business a reserved attitude ofWhile arrogant people can and often do succeed in
humility can often be misinterpreted as a sign ofbusiness I believe that it comes at a great personal
weakness. However if you've ever negotiated with aand professional cost. Arrogance rarely results in
truly confident and humble person you'll find that theirlasting relationships built on a foundation of loyalty and
resolve is often much greater than the feignedtrust. Rather arrogant people typically find themselves
confidence of the arrogant.surrounded by exploitive individuals who are all to
Great contrasting examples of confidence vs.happy to ride the "gravy-train" in good times, but at the
arrogance as it applies to leadership would be the quitefirst sign of trouble all you will see is their backs as
confidence of World War II General's Omar Bradleythey run for the hills.
and Dwight Eisenhower vs. the often outrageousThe confident also succeed in business, but not at the
arrogance of General's George Patton and Douglasexpense of others as do the arrogant. You'll find
MacArthur. All four were great strategists andconfident leaders have broader spheres of influence,
tacticians, but two of the four definitely went down inattract better talent, engender more confidence, and
history as better leaders who commanded greaterearn more loyalty and respect than do those that lead
loyalty and respect from peers and subordinates alike.with solely with bravado.
The truth of the matter is that few things have inspiredIf what you're seeking is lasting relationships, long-term
and motivated me over the years like the quietsuccess and quality of life in and out of the workplace
confidence and humility of great leaders. I would muchthen you will be better served to forego the pompous
rather listen to the self-deprecating humor of confidentacts of the arrogant for the humility and quiet
person making fun of themselves than the meanconfidence displayed by true leaders.
spirited attacks of an arrogant person waged at